Finally. in November 1994. he and his mother. who had been hiding for close to 3 years. used false documents to get out and arrived in the United States. Most of us know what terrible treatment the Kurds have had at the hands of the Iraqis. But somehow the immigration inspector at the airport did not believe Alan and did not think that he had established a credible claim of persecution. So Alan was placed in detention. in prison. in the United States. A year later. without a translator to help him. he was denied political asylum. After 16 months in detention. when his true story came out. an immigration judge finally granted him asylum. Yesterday. he thanked the United States for finally listening to him and letting him out. This is one of a number of examples of refugees who were initially ruled not to have satisfied a credible fear standard but who after a hearing were able to prove a claim for asylum. I know the Senator from Massachusetts is seeking time. Before I yield the floor.
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refugees immigration